Best of Cambodia (11 days)

Cambodia, a land of timeless wonders, invites travellers to explore its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Home to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and other UNESCO World Heritage sites, the country offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient Khmer Empire. Beyond its temples, Cambodia enchants with vibrant cities like Phnom Penh, serene floating villages, and lush landscapes perfect for gentle exploration. Known for its warm, welcoming people and affordable travel, Cambodia is rapidly becoming a top destination, blending heritage, spirituality, and authentic experiences that captivate every visitor seeking a meaningful journey.

Best of Cambodia (11 days)

Phnom Penh –Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh

This Cambodia itinerary is tailored for seniors with an interest in history and culture, avoiding beaches and overly strenuous activities. The itinerary prioritizes comfort, accessible sightseeing, and immersive cultural experiences in Cambodia’s most significant destinations.

Important Features

• Small group size
• Expert local guides
• Cooking class
• Dinner with traditional music & dance show
• No forced shopping stops
• High-quality meals
• Unlimited supply of bottled water

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Fri: Departing for Phnom Penh
Depart from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Sat: Arrive in Phnom Penh
Meet the guide on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. If you get in early and feel energetic, there’s a night market for you to explore.

Day 3/Sun: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
Located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s largest city and its political, economic and cultural centre.

Phnom Penh first became a royal capital in the 15th century, following the decline of Angkor and the relocation of the Khmer court under King Ponhea Yat. Over the following centuries, Cambodia’s rulers moved their capitals among several locations, including Longvek and Oudong. Phnom Penh became the permanent capital under King Norodom in 1865–1866, during the early years of the French protectorate.

Under French colonial rule, Phnom Penh developed from a riverside settlement into a modern administrative centre, with broad avenues, government buildings, schools, hospitals and commercial districts. By the 1920s, the city had acquired a reputation for its attractive architecture and was sometimes called the “Pearl of Asia.”

Cambodia’s fortunes deteriorated dramatically during the Vietnam War and the civil conflict that followed. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces operated from bases inside Cambodia, while fighting between the Cambodian government and communist insurgents drove large numbers of refugees into Phnom Penh.

On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge captured the capital and began forcibly evacuating its population. Residents were sent to the countryside for agricultural labour as Pol Pot’s regime attempted to transform Cambodia into a radically collectivized society. Intellectuals, professionals, ethnic and religious minorities, and suspected political opponents were among those persecuted. Forced labour, starvation, disease and executions claimed the lives of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge period.

Vietnamese forces entered Phnom Penh in January 1979, ending Khmer Rouge rule over most of Cambodia. However, the country continued to suffer from conflict and political instability for years afterward. Phnom Penh’s gradual recovery was supported by reconstruction, international assistance and, later, foreign investment.

Our sightseeing today includes the Royal Palace Complex and the National Museum.

Day 4/Mon: Phnom Penh (B/L)
Today we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, two important sites associated with the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. The visits can be emotionally difficult, but they provide valuable insight into one of the darkest periods in Cambodia’s history.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum occupies the former Tuol Sleng High School, which the Khmer Rouge converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Thousands of prisoners were detained, interrogated and tortured here, and many were subsequently taken to Choeung Ek for execution. The museum preserves prison cells, photographs, documents and instruments of torture. Guests who prefer not to enter the museum may instead take a walk through the surrounding neighbourhood.

Choeung Ek, approximately 15 km from central Phnom Penh, was one of the Khmer Rouge’s principal execution and mass-burial sites. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of the regime.

Day 5/Tue: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
We take a morning flight to Siem Reap. After a light lunch, we visit the Angkor National Museum and Angkor Wat.

Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum houses an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures, religious objects and archaeological artefacts, primarily from the Angkor period (9th–15th centuries). Its eight galleries introduce visitors to the history, art, religion and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Our visit provides useful background for exploring the temples of Angkor over the following days.

Angkor Wat, meaning “City of Temples,” was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113–1150). Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it gradually became a Buddhist place of worship and has remained an important religious centre for centuries. Covering approximately 162 hectares, it is widely regarded as the world’s largest religious monument.

Angkor Wat represents the height of classical Khmer architecture. Its design combines the traditional Khmer temple-mountain with a series of enclosed galleries and courtyards. The five central towers symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the centre of the Hindu universe. Surrounding the temple are an extensive moat and an outer enclosure measuring approximately 3.6 km around its perimeter.

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat faces west, a feature whose religious significance remains debated. Its extensive bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology, royal processions and historical events. The temple has become Cambodia’s most recognizable national symbol and appears on the country’s flag.

Day 6/Wed: Siem Reap (B/L)
Visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm in the morning and have the afternoon at leisure after lunch.

Angkor Thom (literally “Great City”) was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Covering approximately 9 square kilometres, it contains monuments from earlier periods as well as those built by Jayavarman VII and his successors. One inscription refers to the king as the groom and the city as his bride. Angkor Thom was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire.

At the centre of the city stands Bayon, Jayavarman VII’s state temple, famous for its towers bearing enormous carved faces with enigmatic smiles. The temple’s extensive bas-reliefs depict military campaigns, religious ceremonies and scenes of everyday life during the Khmer Empire. The identity of the faces remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Ta Prohm, originally known as Rajavihara, was founded in 1186 by Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery dedicated to his mother. Unlike most Angkorian temples, much of Ta Prohm has been preserved with the massive tree roots that have grown over its walls and buildings. This unusual combination of architecture and vegetation has made it one of Angkor’s most recognizable monuments.

Day 7/Thu: Siem Reap (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive approximately 25 km to Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Although relatively small compared with the great temples of Angkor, Banteay Srei is celebrated for its exceptionally intricate carvings in pinkish sandstone, among the finest examples of classical Khmer art.

On our way back to the hotel, we stop at a local village for a glimpse of everyday life in rural Cambodia.

Day 8/Fri: Siem Reap – Battambang (B/L)
The morning drive by air-conditioned private vehicle to Battambang takes three hours.

Battambang, Cambodia’s second-largest city, offers a charming blend of French colonial architecture, artistic spirit, and rural beauty. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, scenic rice fields, and unique bamboo train ride, Battambang is a cultural haven where travellers can explore local art, ancient temples, and authentic Cambodian life away from the crowds.

After lunch, we explore the most prominent colonial buildings along the Sangkae River. These buildings showcase a blend of European aesthetics with Khmer design elements, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and ornate balconies.

Day 9/Sat: Battambang (B/L)
We begin today with a visit to a market to shop for ingredients for our cooking class that focuses on Khmer cuisine of this area.

This is followed with a tour of Banan Temple atop a hill that offers stunning views of the countryside – the climb of the more than 300 steps may be challenging for some.

We wrap up the day with a visit to the Phare Ponleu Selpak – an art school that helps children from difficult backgrounds improve their lives.

Day 10/Sun: Battambang – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we depart Battambang for Phnom Penh. The overland journey on well-paved highway takes approximately six hours including lunch break.

Day 11: Phnom Penh –Returning Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. Your airport transfer is included with pick-up time to be confirmed by the guide.

Hotel List

Dates & Prices

Know Before You Go

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Cambodia. We recommend having at least two blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.

Do I need a visa?

Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders require a tourist visa. Apply through the official Cambodia e-Visa website. Laurus Travel can assist with the application.

Travellers arriving by air must also complete the free Cambodia e-Arrival declaration within seven days before arrival.

Entry requirements may change. Please verify them before departure.

Are vaccinations required?

No routine vaccination certificates are generally required for travellers arriving directly from Canada, the United States, Britain or Australia. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your recent travel history.

We recommend keeping routine vaccinations up to date. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended, and typhoid vaccination may also be advisable. Consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

November through February is generally the best period, with relatively dry weather and more comfortable temperatures. March and April are considerably hotter, while the rainy season typically runs from May through October.

How physically demanding is this tour?

This is a moderately active tour involving regular walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, particularly at the temples of Angkor. Guests should be comfortable walking several kilometres during sightseeing days, sometimes in hot and humid conditions.

The climb to Banan Temple involves more than 300 steps and is optional for guests with mobility limitations.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at many temples.

What currency should I bring?

Cambodia uses the Cambodian riel (KHR), although US dollars are also widely accepted.

There is no need to obtain any local currency before departure. ATMs are available in major cities. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is useful for smaller purchases.

How can I stay healthy?

Drink bottled or properly treated water, choose freshly cooked food and wash your hands regularly. Use mosquito repellent to reduce the risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Bring your regular medications in their original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Free Wi-Fi is available at the tour hotels. Travellers who need mobile internet access may consider an international roaming plan or a local eSIM.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption. Check your policy for exclusions, particularly those concerning pre-existing medical conditions.